
When you wrap Philly cheesesteak goodness in puffy, crisp bread dough, magic happens. I've turned this sandwich classic into a stromboli that's now my number one comfort meal. It packs juicy beef slices, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked veggies all bundled in a gorgeous, toasty wrapper. After trying tons of ways to bring authentic Philly flavors home, this version won my family over and gets them running to eat whenever I make it.
When I brought this to game night last week, my friend who grew up in Philadelphia couldn't stop raving about it. What makes it work? Taking your time to cook down those veggies properly and stacking everything in sequence for that amazing texture.
Key Ingredients and Smart Picking Advice
- Pizza Dough: I always grab Rhodes frozen bread dough because it tastes homemade and never lets me down. It gives you that perfect mix of chew and flakiness.
- Deli Roast Beef: Stick with fancy deli counter roast beef for guaranteed tenderness. Ask for it sliced super thin to get the texture just right.
- Bell Peppers and Onions: Don't skimp on fresh, snappy veggies. Grab some sweet onions for their mild taste, and mix up your pepper colors for a pretty finish.
- Provolone Cheese: Freshly sliced provolone melts like a dream. I put both shredded and sliced kinds to create that amazing stretchy pull.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Dough Preparation:
- Let bread dough thaw following package info until it doubles up. Find a cozy, warm spot without drafts for rising.
- Vegetable Sauté:
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Toss in onions first, then add peppers, cooking until barely soft. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Assembly Process:
- Flatten dough into a 12"x18" sheet. Smear on some garlic mayo, then stack roast beef, veggies, and cheese in layers.
- Rolling Technique:
- Starting from the long side, roll it all up tight while tucking in the edges. Put it down with the seam underneath, brush butter on top, then sprinkle with garlic flavor, parsley, and sesame seeds.
Heat Management: Cook at 375°F to get that golden outside and melty inside. Stick to the middle rack for even heat, and cover loosely with foil if it's browning too fast.
Prep-Ahead Plan
Cut up veggies and get everything measured earlier in the day for quick assembly. You can even put the whole stromboli together and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking, which is super handy on crazy weeknights.
Tasty Pairings
Throw together a basic green salad or some crunchy potato wedges on the side. If you're hosting, cut smaller pieces and put out some marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro Cooking Tricks
- Give your dough plenty of time to thaw and puff up for the best texture.
- Roll it super tight to stop any filling from leaking out.
- Cool your veggies a bit before adding them so they don't make the dough soggy.
Looking Back: This stromboli brings together two amazing things - those incredible Philly cheesesteak flavors wrapped in fresh-baked bread. It takes a street food classic and turns it into something new and exciting that works for family dinners or when friends come over. When you cut into it, you see all those beautiful layers, making it look as good as it tastes. Cooking's all about taking something you love and putting your own spin on it - that's exactly what this stromboli does, making everyone happy whenever it shows up.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store-bought dough?
- Absolutely! Pre-made dough works perfectly for this dish.
- → What type of beef slices best?
- Opt for thin roast beef or sandwich steak for easy cooking and tenderness.
- → Is this dish freezer-friendly?
- Yes! Freeze uncooked rolls tightly and bake after full thawing.
- → Why make slits on top?
- These cuts prevent steam build-up and help the crust turn crispy.
- → Can I prep it early?
- Sure! Get the filling ready early but wrap and bake fresh.